Just Feel Like Ranting

HeyMikey · #1 03-19-2011, 12:17 AM

This has probably been discussed before and I haven't done a search on it but I feel like getting something off my chest.

I think we as bassists' are the most unrecognized and under appreciated players in a band. Obviously, this comment is not 100% accurate as there are always exceptions to the rule but for the most part we go unnoticed.

I have watched countless YouTube videos of bands and the camera gives the bassist the least attention of all the players. It's always the lead singer, guitarist, or sometimes keyboardist player who gets the main attention. Even the drummer is shown more often than the bass player.

Maybe this sounds egotistical but it's been getting under my skin that we don't get the recognition that is deserved. Maybe it is just the nature of the instrument but dang it, music just don't sound right without the bass there holding everything together.

I have played in a number of bands, mostly early rock or Country/Western. I have held the bass chair in a church for over the past 7 years. Nobody seems to notice I'm even there UNLESS I stop playing. That sure gets everyone's attention. I don't know, maybe that speaks as a compliment that all heads turn if I stop playing during a song.

Anyway, that's my rant. Guess I'm feeling sorry for myself at this moment. Anybody else out there think bass players are under appreciated?

Shakin-Slim · #2 03-19-2011, 12:22 AM

Sure I feel under appreciated. After listening to Jamerson, Macca or John McVie with Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac, however, I realise that's all silly. Those cats drive their bands! That's all that matters. It bothers me too, man, but most audiences are idiots. So it's cool

onionpuzzle · #3 03-19-2011, 12:36 AM

If you are seeking recognition or the spotlight, you picked the wrong instrument. For the most part, bass is a role-playing instrument and serves a specific purpose in an ensemble.

OP, you are absolutely right...it IS the "nature of the instrument"

This has been discussed ad infinitum here on TB, but IMO, if you want to "stand out" then you could aspire to become a virtuoso (now you won't fit in), become a "stage maniac" (though that could become detrimental to the band's image) or switch to a different instrument.

iridiumrocks · #4 03-19-2011, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeyMikey

I have watched countless YouTube videos of bands and the camera gives the bassist the least attention of all the players. It's always the lead singer, guitarist, or sometimes keyboardist player who gets the main attention. Even the drummer is shown more often than the bass player.

I totally agree. I have watched many concert videos where the bassist was rarely on camera when he was laying down some great bass lines. Two examples that come to mind off the top of my head:

Led Zep "The Song Remains The Same" - during the most kick-ass JPJ bass lines, the camera stays mostly on Page and Plant.
The Who "Live at the Isle of Wight" - same situation with Entwistle as the camera stays on Pete Townsend pinwheeling his arm and banging the same chord over and over. Or Roger Daltry swinging his microphone over his head and not singing.

Bass players are the Rodney Dangerfield of the band -- No Respect

HeyMikey · #5 03-19-2011, 01:46 AM

I'm not seeking the spotlight. I'm too damn ugly. I just think bass players don't get the recognition they deserve. I have no need for the spotlight but I don't appreciate being almost totally ignored. I love the deep tones the instrument produces and is the reason I choose to play it. I like the feel it gives to the music (groove if you will). I was a former drummer and can play guitar and keyboards but the bass is the instrument that is most dear to me. I think we as bassists are far more important to the music than we get credit for. That's all. End of rant. I feel better. Some times it's good to let off steam and know other people feel the same way.

Jazz Ad · #6 03-19-2011, 01:59 AM

I don't want this to change.
I prefer to play a supporting role than having to stand out in the light.

Waterpilot · #7 03-19-2011, 02:01 AM

It's funny... Before I started playing the bass I had never really noticed it before. Mostly because at the time I didn't really care. Back then I could probably name just about everyone in my favorite bands but the bassist.

Not to long ago the cover band I'm in wanted to play "Cumbersome" by Seven Mary Three so I went to the video to see what I could pick up. For those that don't know, at a certain point in the song it breaks down to light drums and guitar but a prominent bass line. In the official video they don't even show the bass player playing during it! Just a quick shot of the bass and then everything else... It was then that I really realized how little the bass player is ever really shown, there are exceptions of course...

Personally though. I'm okay with it. I think it's probably like anything... If you want something... Go get it.

avvie · #8 03-19-2011, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Nobody seems to notice I'm even there UNLESS I stop playing.

.....which is one of the reasons why I work breaks into the songs; it helps to highlight the roles of the different instruments and provides another dramatic movement.

Most of the women I've dated through the years have not known what bass is or what the bass player does; after seeing a few gigs, they finally get it and can begin to hear the bass separate from the rest of the songs on radio or player. It's gratifying to see when they appreciate the importance of the instrument.

gnjpowell · #9 03-19-2011, 11:33 AM

We bass players tend to have the very best faces around - for radio! Need more attention? Jump around like the other fools or switch to vox or git!

Mojo-Man · #10 03-19-2011, 11:40 AM

We bass player are like a nice, big rug.
All we want, is that, singers, and guitarists, don't s**t on the rug

HeyMikey · #11 03-20-2011, 01:00 AM

[quote=avvie;10613614].....which is one of the reasons why I work breaks into the songs; it helps to highlight the roles of the different instruments and provides another dramatic movement.

Yes. This is something I often do, especially at the beginning of a song as in the intro. I will frequently not play for the first few measures or wait for a chord structure to go thru once and then come in to give a noticeable fullness to the overall sound.

I really like intros where each instrument comes in at separate times to highlight what each instrument does to the overall sound. A perfect example of that is in a early rock song called Psychotic Reaction by Count Five. You can hear it on YouTube if you wish. It starts out with the lead guitar for a couple of measures, then a harmonica (I think) comes in, followed by the rhythm guitar, then bass, and finally drums. It's not a great song but I sure like how the intro is done.

I'm not about to change instruments in order to be in the spotlight. I just think the bass player doesn't get the credit he/she deserves in most cases.

PBnJBassist · #12 03-20-2011, 01:36 AM

I feel that way at times, too. I must admit. During jam sessions with friends & family over, everyone tends to look over at my friend (the lead guitar player, of course) and always compliment him on his playing. It used to bother me so much that for whatever song that I could manage, I would play his guitar solos with him with an overdrive pedal to chime in (distortion-wise).

I still go unrecognized, but it doesn't bother me at all, now. I'm more caught up playing my lines than listening to any guitar player sling their 6-string. Though, it did piss me off when one of my friends told me that I'm only "half" of a guitar player because the bass only has 4-strings. Holy crap, I wanted to smash his face so badly right-then-and-there...

cadency · #13 03-20-2011, 02:21 AM

This is all so true. I think it benefits me in being the least experienced in the band because they often spend so much time on their parts that I get ignored. Until, like someone else said, I stop playing... So I get away with more screw ups

.

I've found that it seems like a lot of guitar players end up kind of egotistical... And more drama than they're worth. Not always true, of course, but some of them are dainty flowers and spotlight is their sunlight...

Mike M. · #14 03-20-2011, 02:29 AM

Oh, I don't mind. I play at church also and have noticed on the video's that I'm very seldom seen. Sometimes I'm not seen at all except during a group shot. Listen...I'm 58 and while I don't consider myself to be over the hill it's safe to say that as far as my looks go my better days are behind me. So I'd much rather have the camera men focus on the younger, prettier faces in the band!!

Besides, I've always been more comfortable not being the center of attention. But then I also felt this way in my mid-twenties. I loved being in a band but if no one noticed me I can assure you....it didn't break my heart one bit. Now, our guitar player? That was a whole differant issue!!!

PappaK · #15 03-20-2011, 02:30 AM

Don't sweat it. If the booty be shakin' out front on the dance floor - or even if you see toes tappin' - it's because you're doing your job. Be proud that you can convey such a feeling on people - without them really knowing!

Elrend · #16 03-20-2011, 02:42 AM

Get over it.

OOZMAN · #17 03-20-2011, 03:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeyMikey

This has probably been discussed before and I haven't done a search on it but I feel like getting something off my chest.

I think we as bassists' are the most unrecognized and under appreciated players in a band. Obviously, this comment is not 100% accurate as there are always exceptions to the rule but for the most part we go unnoticed.

I have watched countless YouTube videos of bands and the camera gives the bassist the least attention of all the players. It's always the lead singer, guitarist, or sometimes keyboardist player who gets the main attention. Even the drummer is shown more often than the bass player.

Maybe this sounds egotistical but it's been getting under my skin that we don't get the recognition that is deserved. Maybe it is just the nature of the instrument but dang it, music just don't sound right without the bass there holding everything together.

I have played in a number of bands, mostly early rock or Country/Western. I have held the bass chair in a church for over the past 7 years. Nobody seems to notice I'm even there UNLESS I stop playing. That sure gets everyone's attention. I don't know, maybe that speaks as a compliment that all heads turn if I stop playing during a song.

Anyway, that's my rant. Guess I'm feeling sorry for myself at this moment. Anybody else out there think bass players are under appreciated?

When did you figure that out buddy?

If you want attention then go play guitar. Sorry if that sounds a bit blunt, but 'tis the truth.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elrend

Get over it.

+1

avvie · #18 03-21-2011, 12:02 AM

This is a forum of many repeat subjects. So what... kills some time.

HeyMikey · #19 03-22-2011, 08:34 PM

To Elrend and oozman.

Hey, I had something I wanted to say and said it. If it has been covered before or bores you, tough, I could care less. You may get tired posting your little cute photo. 95% of everything posted on TB has been covered before at some time or another.

Russell L · #20 03-24-2011, 08:19 AM

Yes, folks don't realize it, even the other band members don't realize it---bass is power. Just last night at practice, even though no one was noticing what I was playing, they were unknowingly under my spell. As we jammed on a few progressions, it was the bass that set the mood. Id get into a groove, and then after a coupleof times through I'd begin to evolve it into another feel. Why, I could even drag the drummer into my world. he'd change because I did. If I got softer or played fewer notes the guitars and drums would respond to it and play accordingly. Then, I could get loud again, or begin some other kind of way of grooving, varying the original theme a bit. Heh, heh, just like the Pied Piper. Here they came, following right along.

So, if it helps, you can feel a little smug. It's the bass that MAKES THE SONG. (Just don't tell anyone, but watch them respond to whatever you do, heh, heh).